Eagles vs. Bears: Behind the Numbers 2013

TOTAL DOMINATION! Much like last week, though for the opposite reason, I won't be commenting much on this game. Despite knowing beforehand that the game essentially meant nothing to the Eagles, they came out in full force and completely dominated the Chicago Bears (who actually had something to play for). It wasn't even close, and it was 21-0 before you could blink. And I was lucky enough to be at the game.

As you can see, the dominating game by the Eagles is reflected wonderfully by the numbers. Despite each running 63 offensive plays, the Eagles gained double the yards the Bears did (average gain and total). In fact, the only offensive category that the Birds didn't best the Bears in was passing yards, though that was negated when sacks were factored in. Philadelphia did far better in the penalty department than they did last week, and won the turnover battle again (which resulted in 14 points including a pick 6). And obviously the rushing yards indicate that LeSean McCoy had another monster game, but so did Bryce Brown. Everything speaks for itself here.

View from the Eagles game

What if the Eagles didn't blow those 4th quarter leads?

The NFC standings would be different, that's for sure.  As they are now:

NFC

East

• 6-3 NY Giants
• 5-4 Dallas Cowboys
• 3-6 Philadelphia Eagles
• 3-6 Washington Redskins

North

• 9-0 Green Bay Packers
• 6-3 Detroit Lions
• 6-3 Chicago Bears
• 2-7 Minnesota Vikings

South

• 7-3 New Orleans Saints
• 5-4 Atlanta Falcons
• 4-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• 2-7 Carolina Panthers

West

• 8-1 San Francisco 49ers
• 3-6 Seattle Seahawks
• 3-6 Arizona Cardinals
• 2-7 St. Louis Rams

The Eagles blew 4th quarter leads in 5 of their 6 losses, versus the Falcons, Giants, 49ers, Bears, and Cardinals.  I don't think it's unreasonable to assume the Eagles could have won each one of those games, considering the late blown leads.  Here's the updated standings had they won:

NFC

East

• 8-1 Philadelphia Eagles
• 5-4 NY Giants
• 5-4 Dallas Cowboys
• 3-6 Washington Redskins

North

• 9-0 Green Bay Packers
• 6-3 Detroit Lions
• 5-4 Chicago Bears
• 2-7 Minnesota Vikings

South

• 7-3 New Orleans Saints
• 4-5 Atlanta Falcons
• 4-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• 2-7 Carolina Panthers

West

• 7-2 San Francisco 49ers
• 3-6 Seattle Seahawks
• 2-7 Arizona Cardinals
• 2-7 St. Louis Rams

As you can see, the Eagles would have a commanding lead in the NFC East, with the Giants in the middle of the Wild Card hunt.  The Bears, who have recently had a resurgence, would also be in the middle of the Wild Card hunt and not leading it/favored to win.  The Falcons, who have stumbled as of late, would give the Saints control of the NFC South and be at the bottom of the possible Wild Card teams.  For the NFC West, the Cardinals would share the basement with the Rams instead of being a game up, so no significance there.  However, had the 49ers lost, they'd have been 2-2 at the time as opposed to the much better 3-1.  They've won several close games this season, and it's possible the Eagles game gave them some momentum (it certainly took away any the Eagles were hoping to gain).  They'd probably still be leading the West, but it would be a much different division.

If the Eagles continue to blow leads, I might have to do another one of theses "what ifs".  Stay tuned.